Richard BollingerTwin
Oaks

Amidst the growing sprawl of the 21st century, a few suburban pockets still manage to retain much of their 18th century charm. One of those is located on Johnny's Way in Westtown. It is named Twin Oaks for the eleven pairs
of matched mature oak trees that line its inviting driveway. It is what remains of a much larger farm first settled in 1772. A gurgling stream flows from beneath an ancient stone springhouse and forms a quiet pond stocked with carp,
bass and smaller fish. A mixture of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals create a constantly changing kaleidoscope of color throughout the year. Meanwhile a variety of wildlife- deer, fox, rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, raccoons, possums, turtles and other native animals-frolic in the surrounding woods where a vast variety of birds make their homes
and fill the air with lifting songs. Geese, ducks, egrets, heron and other water birds are frequent visitors to the pond.

The stone barn still stands proudly, although it has been reduced in size and no longer houses the dairy
cattle that once supplied milk and cream to early Chester County settlers. During the mid 20th century, the renovated
stone farmhouse was home to the author of a famous network radio series,''Henry Aldrich," whose many humorous
exploits took place in nearby West Chester.